Above Ground Swimming Pool Tips

An above ground pool in your backyard can provide you and your loved ones with endless fun and sun during the warm months of the year. They are much less expensive than in-ground pools, and are much more easily and quickly installed. You can have an above ground pool up and running in no time, and start enjoying the pool water almost immediately. However, it's important to maintain the pool structure and the water in order to reap all the benefits of the pool for many years. Here are some above ground swimming pool tips to keep your pool and its water in top shape all summer long.

Pump and Filter Care

The pump and filter are extremely important for maintaining your above ground pool and the water in it. The filter is there to catch any debris and dirt, and the pump helps to push the water through the filter. In addition, the pump keeps the pool water circulating, which helps to minimize the build-up of bacteria and algae in the pool water. Having the pump and filter working for at least 8 to 12 hours a day is ideal for pool water maintenance.

Minimize Green Algae and Debris

Many pool owners will probably experience their pool turning 'green'. This is actually algae that have grown in the pool, usually due to areas where the water is not circulating very well. Keeping algae growth to a minimum is important to keep the pool water safe for swimmers. The waste that algae produce feeds bacteria, which can become a real problem. One of the more important above ground swimming pool tips to keep your pool from turning green is to brush the floors and walls of the pool, as well as vacuum the pool at least once a week. Doing so will also minimize the build up of dirt and debris in the water.

Keep the Pool Water Sanitized

Sanitizing your pool is vital to keeping bacteria and microorganisms from multiplying in the water, and thus making the pool occupants vulnerable to illness. Using a sanitizer is one of the most vital above ground swimming pool tips you can follow.

The more popular sanitizers include chlorine and bromine, though chlorine tends to be the most widely used. Chlorine dissolves slowly in the water to keep bacteria out and your pool water clean. They come in many forms, such as tablets or sticks. Regardless of the style you choose, chlorine sanitizer is essential to keeping your pool water healthy for swimmers.

Maintain the Pool Water's Chemistry

It is essential that you monitor your pool water's chemistry on a regular basis. Key factors that need to be tested include pH levels, sanitizer levels, total hardness, and stabilizer levels. If the levels are either too high or too low, your pool water will become susceptible to becoming cloudy, turning green, and a variety of other conditions that make the water unfit for swimming in.

Testing the levels can be done using a digital test strip reader, which makes testing and reading rather quick and simple. Testing at least twice a week will help you to maintain your water's chemistry levels.

Following these above ground swimming pool tips will help maintain your pool's structure and water so you and your family can enjoy your pool for years to come.